Never more critical to the North American supply chain, Canadian truck drivers are at the front lines of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Whether it’s transporting food or household items to those sheltering in place or healthcare supplies to hospitals and critical care facilities, truck drivers are working long hours to meet our needs.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and many states recognize the need to increase capacity and flexibility and have therefore relaxed hours of service requirements.

With more hours on the road and the loads more critical to the public, we need truckers to remain healthy so supplies can continue to move safely to their destination. Here’s how transportation carriers can keep truck drivers out on the road:

  1. Minimize interactions. Drivers should avoid going onto docks or into shipping offices when possible and use their own pens and clipboards when signing paperwork. When interpersonal interaction is required, try to maintain at least two metres (six feet) of space. When fuelling, pay at the pump and avoid congregating at truck stops. Truck drivers will be best off bringing their own food and drinks with them to avoid small and crowded rest stops.
  2. Keep equipment clean. Drivers should be wiping down the parts of their trucks they touch often every 2 to 3 hours, with wipes or disinfecting sprays. The entire cab should be cleaned at least once a day and all waste kept neatly in a small trash bag that can be tossed at a rest stop.
  3. Practice good hygiene. Take 20 seconds or more to lather and rinse both hands in their entirety often. If soap is not available, alcohol-based (at least 60%) hand sanitizers and wipes should be used. Gloves should be worn when touching surfaces that others often come into contact with. This includes fuel nozzles, handles and doors.
  4. Plan routes thoughtfully. Provide resources on which truck stops and rest areas are open so that drivers can stop for breaks and rest at normal intervals. Some retailers have relaxed parking restrictions at this time which can be helpful. Know when shippers and consignees are open so that truck drivers do not get into a frustrating hurry-up-and-wait cycle. Let them know where hotspots are so that they can avoid leaving their trucks in these areas if possible. Take into account shipping and receiving hours so drivers are not stuck waiting in a congested area.
  5. Stay in touch. Drivers need to be in regular voice contact with dispatch and loved ones, so they don’t get lonely during the challenging times out on the road. They need to know that it is ok to ask when concerned about a specific situation and that the team back home is there to support them. Make sure they view the office as an advocate on their behalf.
  6. Take good care. Truck drivers should be instructed to stay home if they are not feeling well as long as Coronavirus continues to spread. Whether they are infected with COVID-19 or another illness, an unfamiliar clinic or hospital is not a healthy place right now. Drivers should, when possible, get enough rest, eat healthy and exercise so that they stay alert and keep their bodies in good shape. Drivers should be instructed to keep a “health pack” in their truck that includes a thermometer, latex gloves, wipes and over-the-counter medicines that they regularly use.

Contact HUB Risk Services to learn how to develop a business continuity plan that will help protect your business and employees from the unexpected. Get the latest information, guidance and resources on Coronavirus (COVID-19) to help you protect what matters most on our Coronavirus Resource Centre.